Plegadis falcinellus

A glossy ibis has been seen recently in various parts of northern and southern Utah. The white-faced Ibis, common to Utah, nests in Utah and much of the Intermountain West. But the glossy ibis is normally found in the southern parts of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and throughout Florida. It has been expanding its range north along the east coast to New York.

The first glossy ibis appearance in Utah was documented in 2006.

Recent observations of glossy ibis in the Beehive State may point to a westward expansion. Perhaps the glossy is reacting to climate change that is affecting birds, recently reported in detail by National Audubon (www.audubon.org). Whatever the reason, Utah birders are enjoying this welcome wading bird.

The untrained eye will assume that ibis foraging in local pastures are white-faced. However, upon closer inspection, you may discover a glossy Ibis mixed in with the more common white-faced. The glossy has several distinguishing characteristics which separate the two species. The glossy has a brownish olive bill. Its eyes are brown and the legs are gray-green with red joints. The white feathers bordering the red facial skin that give the white-faced its name are blue on the glossy ibis, which has gray facial skin.

Glossy Ibis range from 18 to 26 inches long, weigh between 17 and 28 ounces and have a wing span of 37 inches.

The glossy body plumage is chestnut with glossy green and purple hues. It has a very long, heavy, downward curving bill which it uses to probe wet meadows, agricultural fields and wetlands for aquatic invertebrates and insects.

The glossy ibis nests colonially in tree rookeries, often with herons. They lay 3 to 4 eggs, incubated for 21 days. The young fledge within 28 days. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched, and often flocks fly in lines.

Bill Fenimore is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center (www.wildbird.com/layton) and author of Backyard Birds of Utah.